Description: The coyote symbolizes a hunting animal and master trickster representing humor, foolishness, and the ability to laugh at one’s own foibles. And though the coyote can be arrogant and self-serving, the lesson to be learned is to recognize one’s own bad habits. They do, however, bring the gifts of survival skills, reversal of fortune and adaptation to the unpredictability of life reminding us to live in the moment.

The majority of fetishes in the collection were acquired from the artists directly or from Turquoise Village in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico.

Description:

Left to Right:
Howard Lasarlby (Antler)
Willard Laate (Elk Antler w/Turquoise eyes)
Unknown Carver/Horned Owl (Green Serpentine w/Turquoise eyes)
Unknown Carver/Horned Owl (Picasso Marble w/Turquoise eyes)

In the Zuni culture, the owl is the protector of the home and the keeper of the night. He is able to see what others cannot see and is thought to be very observant, perceptive, have true wisdom and patience. He controls the dark side of nature.

Description: Mother of Pearl | Dimensions: 2”h x 1”w

Zuni artist Carl Etsate who is well known for his work, in particular his Corn Maiden fetishes, and his use of various shell materials carved this diminutive, 2” x 1”, beauty out of Mother of Pearl and added turquoise, jet and coral inlay accent details. The Corn Maiden is revered for her generosity by bringing food and other offerings to the spring ceremonies as well as good fortune. She is beloved and appears in many Zuni art forms and that of other American Indian cultures.

Description: The Zuni culture believes that a fetish is representative of an animal’s spirit which resides in the stone. The Badger is a guardian and master of the South that has great knowledge of the earth, understands agriculture and is thought to also have knowledge of healing roots and herbs because he live close to the ground. The badger is fierce, tenacious, bold, persistent, and known to overcome larger animals. Thusly, it can be depended upon in difficult situations. Badgers are healers and protectors.

Description: In the Zuni culture and in Zuni ceremonies, snakes represent energy and aid in the connection with greater powers. It symbolizes life, death, and rebirth, is believed to have curative powers and is also associated with lightning.

Description: Since we’ve been experiencing a lot of rain in the Desert Southwest during the Fall 2019, we thought it apropos to highlight a few of the Zuni frog fetishes which are associated with rain and water. Frogs and tadpoles also represent the cycle of life; hence the frog is also the fertility fetish.

“In this context, the word fetish refers to a small charm or talisman carved by hand from various materials such as stone, mineral, wood, bone, antler or fossil. Fetishes have existed in one form or another all over the world in various ancient cultures since before the beginning of time. The existence of fetishes today is reserved primarily as an expression of tribal art and beauty rather than serving the practical yet superstitious role they have in the past.

Today, the Zuni Tribe of northern New Mexico remains the primary producer of fetish carvings in Native American culture. These small fetish carvings have been believed by the Zuni Tribe to hold protective and/or healing powers and specific animals were also known to provide luck in hunting game. Zuni fetishes can be thought of as objects holding a spiritual significance that can provide supernatural support if treated by the owner with the necessary respect. Owners or Zuni fetishes range from enthusiastic collectors who admire these small carvings as breathtaking works or art to those seeking the special powers believed to be held within. Whatever your intended purpose, one thing is for certain: it's easy to love and cherish these tiny native carvings.”

Source: Turquoise Village in Zuni, New Mexico

Description: Fossilized Ivory w/ Heishi | 3 Strands Each, 16”

Dinah (b.1944) and Peter Gasper, Sr. (1938-2012) collaborated as an award winning husband/wife team creating finely carved animal, bird and fish fetish, as necklaces and as standalone pieces. They are credited as being the first Zuni carvers to incorporate the heartline symbol representing the breath of life force of an animal as well as developing a silver tag with their personalized hallmark applied to the fetish that identified their work. Shown here, the two fossilized ivory fetish necklaces with brown heishi, three strands each, include the Gasper silver hallmark.

Description: Antler Carved Zuni Fetish | 7”h x 3”w

According to the Zuni, fetishes, or animal depictions, house the spirit or supernatural qualities of animals only after they have been blessed by the tribal Medicine Society at the winter solstice gathering. If they are properly cared for and nurtured they may bring special power to the people who use them. They also believe there are six primary directions: north, east, south, west, upward, and downward. The Eagle is the messenger to the gods and represents power, balance, dignity, vision, higher truth, and grace. The eagle is found in both the healing and small game hunting directions.

Zuni artist, Esteban Najera, displays expert knowledge of anatomy when his carvings emerge. His antler bird carvings are so wonderful and delicate that it seems that the Zuni spirits have guided him. He started carving around 1990.